Parent at 41

[MyMSAccount]

I'll have a baby at 41 (first one) and I'm realising I'll have to work until I'm in my 60s. this is mainly because I live in London. Any success stories? I need cheering

Won't most people have to work until they're in their 60s? I certainly will.

Yes surely it's normal to work into one's 60s? I will be, so will everyone I know

Most of us will have to work well into our 60s at best, that's normal. I have 3DC, my youngest was born when I was 41. He's now 11, I don't feel anywhere near ready to retire yet and plan to keep working as long as I'm able (although I may go PT as I get older).

Had my DD at 42... she turns 18 when I turn 60. Can't see me retiring then or anytime soon after that...

Most people can't afford to retire until their state pension kicks in. Despite paying into my own pension from my first job, I've never been able to pay the amount that would truly be needed to retire without some state pension support.

You're not alone in being disappointed when the realisation hits of how long you're going to have to work. Try not to think about it. Enjoy your baby and your life. Keep paying into your pension pot and take it as it comes.

It's nothing to do with being in London. It's the same for everyone.

What you may be able to do is sell your house, if you have one, and move out of London to a cheaper area and use the money you save on buying a cheaper house to bump up your pension pot.

I'm expecting to work past my sixties as I've been crap with organising my pension but then my job is easy and enjoyable and as long as I don't get dementia or die I'd be happy to do it til I'm 80 so I'm lucky.

What is that you do?

Maybe... I guess so? I was hoping to retire a bit sooner

I know what you mean OP as I was discussing this with DH recently. For context DH is 56, I am 47 and DS is 8. We are in a large city but not London.

Our neighbours (no kids) are recent retirees at 58 and 62. We could have been in that position in just a few years if DS hadn't come along. I am slightly envious of their free time but we agreed that we would rather have DS and the experience of being parents.

I am sure that once your child is here you will feel it is worth it (maybe not immediately!) But it appreicate that it probably feels a bit abstract at the moment.

I retired at 60 but my youngest was 27 at the time . In your situation you'll have to work a bit longer , depending on your child's needs.

Had my 3rd DC at 42 and live in London. Work pt 2 days and have passive income, and I plan to retire in my early 50s. We have saved hard and invested for good returns which will make that possible.

I had my second and last child 3 weeks before I was 41. If she goes to university I'll be 62/3 when she graduates I'm planning my retirement around that. Feels ok, state pension doesn't kick in until 67.

My mother had dc at 26/28 and retired at 70, shes fit as a fiddle and now take care of my dc and does the school runs etc. Its more than doable if you're fit and healthy id say

Had mine at 41. Assume I'll be working into my 70s. But I'd probably have to do that regardless. I'm sure there are studies showing really great health benefits from working later (reduced risk of dementia etc). Ideally I'd be working part time from 65 though.